I currently have two bikes, a 2002 Landshark with Dura Ace, and a 1992 Klein Performance (longer wheelbase version of the Quantum, equipped with Ultegra). The Klein also has Mavic Helium wheels.

My dilemna is that I joined a racing team for the first time at age 50, and now have bike needs that are very different from a year ago. The Landshark is a great all around bike, very comfortable, and would be great for crits and possibly time trials with minimal modifications. Its drawback is weight, as its Dedaccai steel and about 19 pounds. Not the greatest for climbing, which is really my weak spot anyway.

I've lost about 15 pounds, and am now down to the point where looking at a lighter bike will help my road races somewhat. I live in the Pacific NW, and everything around here is hilly. Even with the weight loss, I am at 173, so climbing weight is an issue.

My question is this - budget only permits getting one new frame. I'd like to get a new frame, swap the Dura Ace components from the Landshark to it, and then move everything over from the Klein to the Landshark, possibly upgrading to Ultegra or Dura Ace 9 sp in the process (Klein is presently 8sp ultegra).

That would leave me with the new light frame bike with the Dura Ace, and the Landshark with ultegra/dura ace. I'd set the Landshark up for time trials, and set the new frame up for crits and road racing, and endeavor to make it as light as possible.

I can get an Abici Vader frame through our team cheap. Does anyone have any suggestions for framesets that would work well in my circumstances, that I ought to consider in lieu of the Abici?

Thanks in advance.

Calfee Luna

irregardlessJan 20, 2003 12:30 PM

At $1299, not exactly cheap, but it is lower cost than many carbon frames, light (2.8 pounds maybe), comfortable, and, from all reports, reliable, plus it has a 10 year warranty and a crash replacement discount. Should build up to about 17 1/2 pounds or so, depending on wheels.

Good luck.

Cannondale CAAD5 n/m

fraciscoJan 20, 2003 12:42 PM

Question

NessismJan 20, 2003 1:12 PM

Is it worth the cost to upgrade your frame to save approx 1% in total rider + bike weight?

Get a new frame if you must but your race results won't know the difference.

Ed

Question

SharkmanJan 20, 2003 1:42 PM

Well, in an abolute sense, probably not. However, having admitted that, I dont have much more weight to take off the rider. At 173 I am as low as I have ever been as an adult. If I could take two pounds or three pounds off the bike, the advantage is only incremental, but its something.

Looking for any improvement I can get.

How about shifting your focus a little bit by...

wasabekidJan 20, 2003 2:50 PM

working on installing a higher performance engine on that bike instead of shaving a # or 2 on bike weight. You have a far better chance of improving your 'power to weight' ratio by training than thru bike weight shaving.

Buy a new frame if you must, but also consider the following rationale:

If currently you consider yourself a middle of the pack rider, a pound or two wt. svgs. will not improve your chances to top three any better than when you improve your:
1) strength
2) endurance
3) agility/responsiveness
4) RACING TACTICS
5) Racing mentality (believe it or not, sometimes good riders get boxed in and freak out)

Now, once you have proven your prowess equal to the group elite, then and only then that "maybe" a # or 2 will matter, along with being agile and responsive.

Good Luck.

W.

Well said advice worth heeding. -nm

TigJan 20, 2003 2:55 PM

re: New Frame Question

xxlJan 20, 2003 3:08 PM

My advice is hold off on buying a frame until you've had a chance to race a bit (I'm assuming from your post that you recently joined this team, last season, or in the off season?) That way, you can get to know yourself better as a racer, see what you're good at, where you need to improve, and decide on the type(s) of racing you'll be doing, your role on the team, etc. This will help you considerably in picking a frame, one I suspect will suit you better in the long run. (Plus, you'll have some time to save up more money for it!) A deal on a frame, even a very good one, might not serve you "down the road,"

I agree with the other person about the new frame not really making a huge difference in your times, esp. if you're just getting into it. Of course, if the money is absolutely just burning a hole in your pocket, blow it on some really choice wheels for the 'shark (I assume that's the race rig), where you're much more likely to see quick gains.

re: New Frame Question

gtxJan 20, 2003 6:03 PM

You didn't say what size frame, but a modern high end steel frame in size 56 is gonna run somewhere from about 3.3 - 3.8 pounds, which is only maybe about an ounce or two heavier than a comparable quality ti frame, and maybe a pound heavier than a light AL or carbon frame.

re: New Frame Question

SharkmanJan 20, 2003 11:11 PM

The frame is a 54. Dont know what its weight is.

Here's something

FunstonJan 20, 2003 8:16 PM

Check this out...

http://www.chucksbikes.com/fr032.htm

Also try ebay.

Also consider getting a lighter set of wheels.

new frame recomendation

S-U-BJan 20, 2003 8:28 PM

I would not blow a ton of money on any frame I was going to race in a crit. It's possible to crash and damage a bike in a road race as well, but not as likely. I would recommend buying the abici if the price is right and help the sponsor out, or look for a Caad5 or something similar and inexpensive. Use that in the crits and use the rest of the money you want to spend for a really nice frame and put it into wheels like the other posters have recommended. check out GVHbikes.com. he's got caad5's for 600 bucks. I personally race my trainer bike in crits, and the 381i in the occasional roade race. good luck.

new frame recomendation

SharkmanJan 20, 2003 11:15 PM

Actually I got the Landshark from GVH. I've looked at their Cannondale's as one option. Price for it and the Abici is a push, more or less.